The National Weather Service has posted a variety of advisories and warnings, including a blizzard warning in eastern North Dakota through Saturday morning. Forecasters say freezing rain will turn into snow, and strong winds will blow it around and make travel hazardous. Some areas could get a foot of snow.

North Dakota's Transportation Department has issued a travel alert through Saturday morning, urging motorists to use caution. Officials in western South Dakota's Black Hills on Thursday were getting snowplows ready.

Many residents headed to stores Thursday to stock up on essentials. Janet Knodel says she bought items such as milk in case she gets snowed in.